The concept of a “Forever Home” is growing in popularity, but not everyone is sure how to make it a reality. By the end of the decade, the majority of the population will be age 65 or older and will need a little extra assistance and care. In fact, most people want to live independently in their homes as they age, rather than moving in with a family member, or going to live at an active or assisted living community.
Designing a home that allows for aging in place is based on the concept of Universal Design, and focuses on creating functional spaces for people of all ability levels. While most of us don’t consider what it takes to live in your home through our golden years, there are design changes or additions that you can make today that will have a big impact on your future comfort, convenience and safety.
Let’s take a look at a few of changes or additions that can help you remain at home longer, or give you the flexibility to take care of aging loved ones in their own home.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is the most popular room in the house. Therefore, making it comfortable and obstacle-free for everyone is the goal. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, a island on locking wheels will give you flexibility for wheelchair or mobility aide access. Also, consider a custom kitchen island with a lowered section made specifically for wheelchair access.
Cabinets: Doors or Drawers?
Choosing drawers under the countertops rather than doors is essential to avoid getting down on your hands and knees to search for pots and pans. There are affordable after-market roll-out and lift-up hydraulic shelves to give you easy access to your kitchen tools.
Cabinets can be installed to either side of the cooking surface, but for safety reasons, do not install cabinets or a microwave over the stove. Wall cabinets can be retrofitted with pull-down shelves, and base cabinets benefit from hydraulic-lift shelves for heavy kitchen appliances like mixers and blenders.
For the microwave, install a built-in unit into your wall or lower cabinet. The cabinet toe kick should also be modified to 9-inches high and 6-inches deep to accommodate wheelchairs.
Tables: Round or Square?
When it comes to kitchen tables, the shape is more important than you think. Tables with a center pedestal base are the best choice for flexible dining. There are no sharp corners, and no legs to bump into which means more leg room. Best of all, a round, pedestal-base table allows anyone with a mobility aide such as a wheelchair or walker to also have easy access.
The Bathroom
Bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in the house when considering both mobility and design. Because bathrooms are a space that needs to support your dignity and wellbeing, you’ll want to do everything you can to make this room both accessible and beautiful. And don’t worry — the products on the market today are a far cry from the steel bars that you see installed in hospitals, public restrooms and assisted living facilities!
Shower Curtains vs. Sliding Doors
Most households have a bathroom with a fiberglass bathtub and shower combo with either a shower curtain or sliding shower doors. Resist the urge to update or add new sliding doors or door tracks. In this instance a shower curtain is preferable! Embrace the opportunity to introduce color or pattern into your bathroom with a shower curtain. If you have the option to remodel or design a new bathroom, choose a shower design with a zero-threshold entry.
Shower Safety
Grab bars, shower seating and slip-resistant floor tiles will go a long way to increase safety as you age. Some grab bars double as shower shelves, and some manufacturers make grab bars that double as towel bars. Shower stools and benches come in a wide selection of materials and styles, from teak wood, to plastic, to fold-down. An adjustable-height shower head with a handheld wand will increase your ability to bathe independently.
Your sink or vanity should be no more than 34 inches above the floor, while the toilet should be between 17 to 19 inches tall. Consider hanging your hand towel on the side of your vanity, or lower on the wall to make it easier to reach. For toilet tissue paper, a free-standing holder provides maximum flexibility.
Throughout the Home
Levers, Knobs, and Switches
Levers and handles are always easier to use than knobs. Larger levels and handles are easier to see and maneuver. Rocker panel light switches are preferable to a toggle switch. Voice or motion-activated lighting can also be especially handy. Awning-type (crank) window units are the easiest to open and close.
Molding, Wainscoting, and Surface Touch Points
Adding chair rails, wainscoting and other surface touch points to your forever home is a must! These components are especially helpful for anyone who needs assistance with walking and balance. Keep countertop, tabletop and island surfaces relatively clutter-free so you can use them as touch-points.
Doorways and Hallways and Living Areas
Doorways and hallways should be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility aids. If you live in a multi-level home, consider relocating the primary bedroom and bathroom to the ground level. If that is not possible, residential elevators are also an option.
Flooring
Falls are the leading cause of death for older adults. For your Forever Home, choose soft, smooth flooring that also has some grip. Carpets and rugs are inherently uneven and can be trip hazards so consider removing them. Linoleum, LVP, rubber and cork are all great options for soft but durable flooring. For people with impaired vision, strong patterns and polished finishes can interfere with depth perception. If your floor is not level or you have a raised or sunken room, signal height change with a different color or texture flooring material.
Smart Devices, Robots and DIY Security
These days, door locks, lighting, floor vacuums, lawnmowers, lawn sprinklers, thermostats and security systems can all be controlled with an app. When installing these components, make sure that you evaluate future maintenance requirements, malfunction risk, and whether they are easy to use. Also, consider if the apps that control your Smart Home can be used on larger screens like tablets and laptops.
Lighting and Electrical Tips
When it comes to lighting design for older adults, aim for surface illumination with reduced glare. If you have 9 foot ceilings or taller, install indirect lighting (also called cove lighting) to provide even, low-glare illumination. A color temperature between 2,700 and 3,000, with a color rendering index of 100, is best for aging eyes. This lighting appears more natural, like sunlight or daylight.
LED bulbs are an energy-efficient, long-lasting choice, as are color-correct metal halide bulbs. Not only are metal halide bulbs energy efficient, they also have a high color rendering index. Although they take a few minutes to “warm up” to achieve full light output, this can benefit older eyes allowing them to gradually adjust to the light level.
Electrical outlets in your Forever Home should be installed between 18-to-24 inches off the ground to allow for easy access. Light switches should be between 42-48 inches above the floor, and thermostats should be placed no higher than 48 inches off the floor.
Consider Future Needs When Designing A Forever Home
I hope this post has helped you better understand what it takes to design your Forever Home. While you may be in superb health today, aging is a natural (and inevitable) part of life. Considering your future needs and accommodations now so that you can stay in your home as you age.
If you are exploring building a new home, or renovating or remodeling your current space, feel free to reach out. I work with many clients who are retiring or planning their forever home and I can help you design a space that will grow and evolve to suit your needs. To schedule a consultation, call (702) 883-3200 message me through my website, or send an email to laura@laurafullowdesigns.com.
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